Bieber continued, “He was a part of the team for years and I wish I would’ve had more time to thank him. Make sure to appreciate people while you have them. Thanks Thomas for everything you did for me. You are appreciated and missed. Thoughts and prayers are with your family & friends.”

Universal Music Group Chairman Lucian Grainge previously confirmed Ayad’s death and called it “an unspeakably appalling tragedy” in a memo to employees, which was provided to the Los Angeles Times.